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Average Price: $595

Budget/Beginner

$599

$1000+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Experience a new frontier of sound with the Vox Starstream, a digital modeling guitar that seamlessly bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. This innovative instrument is designed for guitarists who crave versatility without sacrificing the tactile enjoyment of playing a genuine guitar. The Starstream offers an impressive array of 27 onboard instrument models, allowing you to switch between classic electric guitar tones, acoustic sounds, and even exotic string instruments at the turn of a dial.

Crafted with a lightweight and ergonomic body, the Vox Starstream ensures a comfortable playing experience, whether you're on stage or in the studio. Its AREOS-D system integrates digital signal processing with high-quality pickups, providing you with accurate and dynamic tone reproduction. The intuitive controls are easily accessible, making it simple to explore the full spectrum of sounds this guitar has to offer. Perfect for musicians who love to experiment, the Starstream invites you to expand your sound palette effortlessly.

Key Features:

  • 27 onboard instrument models, including electric, acoustic, and exotic strings
  • AREOS-D system for seamless digital and analog integration
  • Lightweight, ergonomic body design
  • Intuitive control layout for easy sound exploration
  • High-quality pickups for dynamic tone reproduction
  • Ideal for both stage performances and studio sessions

Product specs

Brand Vox
Model VSS-1-FWH Starstream Type 1 Modeling Electric Guitar
Finish White Frame / Black Body
Year 2010s
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family White
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Vox Starstream's modeling capabilities?

The Vox Starstream's modeling capabilities allow it to emulate a variety of guitar tones and effects, providing versatility for different musical styles without needing multiple guitars or external effects.

How does the Vox Starstream's pickup configuration affect its sound?

The Vox Starstream features a humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, which provides a powerful and full-bodied sound, suitable for genres ranging from rock to jazz.

Is the Vox Starstream suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Vox Starstream is designed for live performances, featuring a lightweight body for comfortable playability and a range of tonal options to adapt to different performance settings.

Does the Vox Starstream require any special power supply for its modeling features?

Yes, the modeling features of the Vox Starstream require a power supply to operate, typically provided through batteries or an external adapter.

What type of bridge does the Vox Starstream have, and how does it affect playability?

The Vox Starstream is equipped with a tremolo bridge, which allows for pitch modulation effects and adds expressiveness to your playing style.

Vox Amps

Vox Amps

VOX Starstream Type 1 – Modeling Electric Guitar Overview

Video thumbnail for VOX Starstream Type 1 – Modeling Electric Guitar Overview by Vox Amps

VOX Starstream Type 1 – Modeling Electric Guitar Overview

Vox Amps

Vox Amps

Video thumbnail for VOX Starstream Type 1 – Modeling Electric Guitar Demo by Vox Amps

VOX Starstream Type 1 – Modeling Electric Guitar Demo

Vox Amps

Vox Amps

Video thumbnail for Vox Starstream modelling guitars! - Pedals built into a guitar? by Andertons Music Co

Vox Starstream modelling guitars! - Pedals built into a guitar?

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for VOX Starstream Demo by Vox Amps

VOX Starstream Demo

Vox Amps

Vox Amps

Reviews

PROS

  • Smooth playability and comfortable neck, comparable to a Fender Stratocaster

  • Wide variety of modeled sounds, from electric to classical and banjo

  • Lightweight and ergonomic design, ideal for extended play

  • Built-in electronics and headphone jack make it a great travel guitar

  • Acoustic simulator offers bright, crisp sounds with impressive sustain

  • Onboard distortion and reverb enhance sound versatility

  • Easy control layout with ergonomic design for quick adjustments

  • Fits comfortably when seated, thanks to the cutaway design

  • Offers a diverse sound palette suitable for various music genres

CONS

  • Requires battery operation for modeling features

  • 12-string models can be overly bright without adjustments

  • Inconsistent volume levels across different modeled sounds

  • Requires setup adjustments, like string height and intonation, out of the box

  • Nylon string model lacks authentic classical guitar sound

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vox Starstream.

Features and functionality

  • The Vox Starstream offers built-in effects such as distortion and tremolo, while the wah effect is considered less usable by some owners.

    Source
  • The Vox Starstream attempts to emulate various instruments, including acoustic and 12-string guitars, with built-in effects and distortion for versatility.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners describe the guitar as having a weight-reducing cavity, potentially causing neck-dive issues, which can be challenging to manage during play.

    Source
  • A German music influencer effectively uses the Starstream for diverse musical styles, highlighting its adaptability despite perceived quality issues.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users compare the tone of the Starstream to a 12-string Stratocaster, suggesting it might not match the iconic sound of a Rickenbacker.

    Source
  • Compared to the Korean-made Vox Bobcat, the Starstream is perceived as lacking in quality, feeling more akin to a budget Squier Affinity.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is favored as a studio instrument rather than for touring, with its unique appearance and sound adding appeal for specific recording needs.

    Source
  • Ideal for quick setup gigs where speed is prioritized over sound quality, plugging directly into a DI is noted as convenient.

    Source

Build quality

  • The teardrop body design is noted for being visually striking but may present ergonomic challenges, particularly for sitting play.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Vox Starstream Type 1 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Vox Starstream Type 1 is a futuristic guitar with distinct features that aren't for everyone. It offers an innovative design with a mango wood body and a plastic frame, complemented by onboard electronics providing 27 modelled sounds. Despite its high price, it delivers a range of usable tones in a user-friendly package. While fun and adventurous, its synthetic sound may not appeal to traditionalists, and its ergonomic shape and lightweight build make it comfortable to play. Overall, the Starstream provides a diverse sound palette but might not justify the cost for every player.

Reviewed: Vox Starstream Type 1 - Mixdown Magazine

mixdownmag.com.au

The Vox Starstream Type 1 is a bold, versatile guitar that blends retro aesthetics with modern functionality. Its standout feature is the rotary knob offering a variety of sound settings, from acoustic to synth-like tones, making it a flexible choice for both live and studio settings. It maintains the feel of a standard electric, making it accessible for all skill levels. However, its unconventional design and plethora of options may intimidate traditionalists. Overall, it’s a great entry point for those interested in exploring diverse soundscapes without diving into complex synth setups.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
m0ritsch

Great beginner Guitar

This Guitar is a Modular Guitar and need battery. The guitar has 37 different Sounds styles you can change by running. Its a great guitar for learning the different types of pickups and there sounds.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

I love the synth, organ and nylon acoustic sound.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Panda Bear uses Vox Starstream

Panda Bear

Singer, Guitarist

Animal Collective

...
Verified via Discogs

The credits to Panda Bear's album "Reset" specifically list him as playing the Vox Starstream guitar.

See how Sonic Boom uses Vox Starstream

Sonic Boom

Guitarist, Composer

Spacemen 3

...
Verified via Sonic-boom

Listed on Sonic's equipment list

Album Usage

The Vox Starstream has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Vox Starstream, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Theremin
Theremin Synthesizers
1
Moog Opus 3
Moog Opus 3 Synthesizers
1
Boss DD-3 Digital Delay
Boss DD-3 Digital Delay Delay Effects Pedals
1
Casio CZ-101
Casio CZ-101 Synthesizers
1
Yamaha TX81Z
Yamaha TX81Z Sound Modules
1
Arturia MicroFreak
1
Lovetone Big Cheese
Lovetone Big Cheese Fuzz Effects Pedals
1
Mattel Synsonics
Mattel Synsonics Drum Machines
1
EMS Synthi A
EMS Synthi A Synthesizers
1
EDP Wasp
EDP Wasp Synthesizers
1

1 alternative for Vox Starstream, curated by the Equipboard community.

Vox Starstream type 1 plus

 

newer

The Starstream Type 1 Plus, featuring refined sound, and the new passive mode.

Newly featured is a much-requested passive mode that lets you perform with the Starstream without the need to supply battery power to the modeling system.

Additionally, the onboard sounds as a modeling guitar have also received a detailed tune-up, making them even more useful and more inspiring.

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